McGrath fined for audible obscenity

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Glenn McGrath's successful comeback from injury was sullied last night when he was fined 25 per cent of his match fee, $3000, for swearing in the second Test after a leg before wicket appeal was turned down.

McGrath became frustrated early in Sri Lanka's second innings when a shout for the early wicket of opener Sanath Jayasuriya was given not out by New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden. The bad language was not directed at anyone in particular but the Australian was visibly agitated and was spoken to by his captain Ricky Ponting.

McGrath was reported by all four umpires for "using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting". He was reprimanded by match referee Chris Broad who said: "The on-field umpires came to the defence of Glenn McGrath during the hearing, given his exemplary behaviour prior to the offence."